Planning Guide • Kenya

Top Borehole Mistakes in Kenya (and How to Avoid Them)

Boreholes are long-term investments — but one wrong decision can turn a good project into a costly headache. From skipping surveys to poor storage design, these are the most common borehole mistakes in Kenya and how smart property owners avoid them.

🗓️ Feb 2026 ⏱️ 8 min read ⚠️ Cost-saving guide
On this page
  1. Skipping the survey
  2. Choosing the cheapest driller
  3. Ignoring permits
  4. Wrong pump sizing
  5. No storage-first design
  6. Ignoring water quality
  7. Poor maintenance planning
  8. FAQ

1) Skipping the hydrogeological survey

Many failed boreholes start with one mistake: drilling blindly. A professional hydrogeological survey identifies likely aquifers, depth expectations, and geological risks before drilling begins.

Skipping a survey may save money upfront — but it increases the risk of dry or low-yield boreholes.

2) Choosing the cheapest driller

Low-cost drilling quotes often hide compromises: poor casing, weak development, or lack of test pumping. A borehole is infrastructure — not a bargain purchase.

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    Thin casing that collapses
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    No proper gravel packing
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    Incomplete documentation
Cheap drilling can double your costs later through rehabilitation or redrilling.

3) Ignoring permits and legal requirements

Some property owners drill without WRA permits or environmental approvals. This can lead to fines, closure notices, or refusal of future licenses.

Legal boreholes require proper permits even on private land.

4) Wrong pump sizing

A good borehole can still fail if the pump is wrong. Oversized pumps cause drawdown and burnout. Undersized pumps create weak pressure and tenant complaints.

Pump sizing should always follow test pumping data — not guesswork.

5) No storage-first system design

One of the most common design errors in Kenya is relying on direct pumping. Without proper tank storage, users experience:

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    Pressure drops
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    Frequent pump cycling
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    Shortened equipment life
Storage tanks protect both your borehole and your pump.

6) Ignoring water quality testing

Some boreholes produce water that looks clean but has: iron staining, salinity, or bacteria. Without lab testing, treatment decisions become guesswork.

Always test water before drinking or supplying tenants.

7) No maintenance plan

A borehole is not “install and forget.” Filters clog, pumps wear, and tanks need cleaning. Without maintenance planning, minor issues grow into major failures.

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    Annual inspections
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    Pump servicing
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    Tank hygiene checks
Preventive maintenance is far cheaper than emergency repairs.

FAQ

What is the biggest borehole mistake?

Skipping the hydrogeological survey is the most expensive mistake long term.

Can a bad borehole be fixed?

Some issues can be solved through rehabilitation, but not all failures are reversible.

How do I reduce borehole risks?

Use proper surveys, licensed contractors, correct pump sizing, and storage-first system design.

HD
Hydrodrill Solutions Hydrogeology • Borehole systems • Risk reduction